Thursday, July 30, 2009

Talk about a tough economy: The Grand Ole Opry is offering a promotion that if you buy 1 ticket for any show in August, you get 1 ticket free. You have to make the purchase within the next 48 hours. Let me get this straight: they cut to 1 show on Friday and 1 show on Saturday; they raise ticket prices to a top of $53.00, and charge $26.00 for a standing room only ticket; they cut the length of the show; they reduce the number of artists on a show; they "pad" the line-ups of the shows with a number of unknown artists or artists that have not had a hit record; and they wonder why attendance is off!!!! I talked to the Opry ticket office today and I asked about the Opry birthday weekend. Usually, that is 4 shows, with sell-outs for all 4. On the Saturday night first show, I was able to get 4 tickets in the center left section, in the 5th row!! Sounds like the new marketing slogan for the Opry is not working.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

This week, the Opry returns to just 1 show on Saturday night. This will continue through the month of August. Hard to believe that in the middle of summer attendance would be that low to cut out a Saturday show. Also, in looking at the line-up, there are still 3 slots to fill on Friday night. The line-ups for both nights look a little light.Friday July 31st: 7:00: John Conlee(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jonathan Singleton & The New Grove7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Ray Pillow; Buddy Jewell8:00: Bill Anderson(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chris Young8:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper;Jamie O'NealSaturday August 1st:7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Trent Tomlinson7:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ashton Shepherd8:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jan Howard; Jason Crabb; Opry Square Dancers8:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Charlie Louvin; George Hamilton IV w/Live Issue; Restless HeartGeorge Hamilton will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, with Live Issue as guests. A couple of final thoughts:>As they decide at times to go with 1 show on Saturday night, I would like to see a longer show-perhaps an additional segment. >The only good thing about having only 1 show on Saturday is that WSM fills the time after the Opry with classic Opry shows from the Ryman Auditorium that took place in the 1960's, or from the Pet Milk syndicated shows. They go with those until 11:30, and Eddie Stubbs does the pre-taped Opry show up until the Midnight Jamboree. It is too bad that the "boneheads" at WSM did not realize the historical nature of the older Opry shows and did not save the broadcasts, or threw away the tapes from the shows that they did save, when they moved into their new building. It would have been a treat to listen to Opry shows from the 1930's, 40's and early 50's, and some of the great stars from that era. In fact, I think that the next classic Opry line-up I post will be from the mid-1950's.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels will perform in concert, in Nashville, for the first time in 4 years on August 27th at the Wildhorse Saloon. The concert is presented by Nashville Songwriters Association International. His last Nashville concert was on July 4, 2005.The past couple of years have been good to him as he was inducted into the Grand Ole opry in 2008 and on October 12, he will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame for his session work with Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. A couple of comments:>If you are ever in Nashville, I urge you to visit the Charlie Daniels gift shop and museum in downtown Nashville. The gift shop is nothing fancy and has the same items you would find at any Nashville shop. But, the museum is great. Lots of pictures, displays and awards. And, it is free!!! His Opry Member Award is front and center. >Also in Nashville is the Musicians Hall of Fame. Again, if you have never been there, it is great. A little hard to find, but it covers all the studio musicians from the Nashville sound to the Wrecking Crew in California. It covers the session musicians from Motown and Muscle Shores. The admission is not that high, and it is laid out very well.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

For those of us who are fans of The Four Guys, who spent many years on the Grand Ole Opry before they were fired, they are planning a'09 Reunion Tour, that will kick off on August 10th at the Senior Center for the Arts in Nashville. The Fabulous Four Guys will include Sam Wellington, their long time leader, John Frost, and Laddie Cain. I am still confirming who the 4th member will be. John and Laddie were long time members of the group. The show will start with a breakfast at 8am, followed by the concert at 9am. This will be a benefit for the Center and The Nashville Dinner Theatre. If anyone is in the Nashville area, I hope they will check this out. Also, if you are a book reader, I highly recommend Sam Wellington's book "In the Beginning....There Was the Men's Room,", which is the story of the group. A great book that you can get on Amazon for a reasonable price. It is an enjoyable and easy read.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Kyle Cantrell reported on his Sirius Roadhouse radio show that Mel McDaniel was resting at home after being released. He did say that Mel hopes to have a full recovery soon and be back at the Opry. I hope that this information is true and I have not heard it reported from anyone else. I know the first story was that he was released from the hospital and sent to a rehabilitation facility.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Updated Opry schedule:As predicted, Mandy Barnett was added to the 2 Saturday shows, while T. Graham Brown was added to the Friday Night Opry. Here is this week's Grand Ole Opry line-up:Friday July 24th: 7:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Jim Ed Brown; Mark Wills7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Point Of Grace8:00: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; T. Graham Brown8:30: Vince Gill(host); Connie Smith; Mike SniderSaturday July 25th: 1st Show7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett7:30: Jeannie Seely(host); The Whites; Cherryholmes8:00: Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; Clay Walker: Opry Square Dancers8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Carrie Underwood2nd Show9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett10:00: Mike Snider(host); The Whites; Clay Walker10:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Stu Phillips; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers11:00: Bill Anderson(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Carrie UnderwoodComments:>Obviously there is a slot on each of the 3 shows for an additional artist. Usually when this happens it ends up being someone like Buddy Jewell, Mandy Barnett, or Rebecca Lynn Howard. >Mark Wills will be in the Opry shop on Friday night signing for fans. >Clay Walker is scheduled for both Saturday shows. At one time, he was one of the up and coming stars of country music. But after a few hit records, his career peaked and then started to fade. He has battled health issues. >Jimmy C. Newman is usually on early in the shows. On both shows Saturday night, he is in the final segment. >Carrie Underwood will be making her 5th and 6th Opry appearances for the year. She is on pace to make the 10 that is asked of new members. Last year, she appeared 9 times. >Stu Phillips makes one of his once-a-month appearances on the Opry. He is one of the veterans(Charlie Louvin, Ray Pillow among others), that has had his appearances reduced. >Mel McDaniel has been moved from the Nashville hospital where he was recovering from his heart attack to a rehabilitation facility. Best wishes to Mel as he continues his recovery. Finally, I leave you with this rumor. Could the Opry be finished with GAC? I am checking sources, but one clue is that all references to Opry programming and Opry live have been removed from the GAC website. This is usually a clue. You can still archive a few items, but any reference to the Opry's return have been removed. We will investigate and make some calls to people we know. In a way, I hope it is true and that RFD-TV could make a move for the Opry. Until next time.....thanks!!!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

In the past, I have asked who should be considered for Grand Ole Opry membership, who should be let go as members of the Grand Ole Opry and what Grand Ole Opry members will be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tonight, I would like to chat about who I believe are the 10 most influential members of the Grand Ole Opry.First, a little history. Over the 80 plus years of the Grand Ole Opry, certain Opry members have held influence with Opry management over the direction and policies of the show. It was written in the book: "Air Castle Of The South, WSM", that during most of its history, Opry ownership and management would expect Roy Acuff to handle any issues that involved the male members and Minnie Pearl to handle any issues involving the female members, including keeping the artists in line. It is also widely known that up until his death, Roy Acuff played a major role in defining the direction of the Opry, including having a voice on who new members would be. After he passed away, it was widely assumed that Porter Wagoner had influence with Opry management and was the face of the Opry for many years. Today, with Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher managing the Opry, which Opry members are among those that they seek out for their opinion on the direction of the show and which Opry members speak up, behind the scenes to help influence the show? I have talked to several individuals that have ties to the Opry and have asked that question. Based on what they have told me, and what I have learned, here is my list of the 10 most influencial Opry members and reasons why. Remember, this is not a list of the 10 best Opry members or the 10 biggest Opry members. And, the list is alphabetical order.

1) Bill Anderson: Bill joined the Opry in 1961 and is one of it's more loyal members. He has said many times that when he is not on the road and it is a Saturday night, it just does not feel right if he is not at the Opry. As he has become again one of Nashville's premier songwriters, he has helped to start and support the careers of Josh Turner and Brad Paisley among others. And he has influenced Pete Fisher to give these young entertainers a slot on the show, even when they were unknowns. Bill is also respected by these younger artists. While not very vocal publically about the Opry, he does make his feelings and opinions known behind the scenes. 2) Jim Ed Brown: Jim Ed has been a member of the Opry since 1963. He has continued to this day to be one of its most loyal and popular members. Several years ago, in a cost cutting move, Opry management dropped several of its musicians, and told certain Opry members that they either had to cut the size of their back-up band and singers or that they could no longer use any of their band members and had to use the Grand Ole Opry staff band as their back up band. Jim Ed Brown was one of those members who was told that. While several Opry members spoke publically about the move, from what I was told, Jim Ed was the only Opry member to go directly to management and discuss the new policy with them. After that conversation, Jim Ed was allowed to continue using his own band members and to continue to use his own back-up singers. He was respected enough that he was listened to. 3) Charlie Daniels: Charlie is one of the newest members of the Opry, joining in 2008. But, he is already influencing Opry management on picking new members. When Montgomery Gentry was recently asked to join, it is believed that Charlie helped to make that happen. He is a friend of Montgomery Gentry and likes their music. They have appeared together many times. It is thought that Charlie went to Pete Fisher and helped to seal the deal in making Montgomery Gentry members of the Opry. Look for his influence to continue as he is a very vocal supporter of the show. 4) Jimmy Dickens: The Opry's oldest and longest serving member, he joined the Opry in 1948. While he does not exhibit much influence behind the scenes, as the Opry's longest member, his opinion is valued. Most of the times, when a new member is asked or inducted, Jimmy is involved. He is Opry royalty. 5) Vince Gill: Since joining the Opry in 1991, Vince has been one of the show's most vocal supporters and loyal members. He has challenged many entertainers of his era to support the show and to be a part of the Opry. He has always answered the Opry's challenge. He has also encouraged Opry management to open it's eyes a bit on who they invite to perform on the Opry. Steve Martin is a recent example of this. When Roy Acuff died, Vince was assigned dressing room #1 and from there, he holds court, much as Mr. Acuff did. Pete Fisher values his opinion of various acts and his influence is apparent at the Opry. 6) Jeannie Seely: Jeannie joined the Opry in 1967 and quickly became the most vocal female member. She was the female member who pushed Opry management into allowing females to host an Opry segment. While not its biggest female star, she does encourage new female talent to appear on the show and has appeared in many Opry sponsored shows at Opryland. While not as influencial as she was in the past, she still speaks up when needed. 7) Ricky Skaggs: Ricky joined the Opry in 1982 and since then his career has evolved in several different directions. For the past decade he has been one of the biggest stars in bluegrass music and has started his own, very successful record label. He has been very influencial in bringing new bluegrass talent to the Opry and he has been the Opry member that has reached out the most to the bluegrass community. Almost any act signed to his record label is guaranteed a spot on the Opry. These acts have included Cherryholmes and Mountain Heart. He has also helped Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury to become Opry members. Since Bill Monroe passed away, and even though there are numerous Opry members who specialize in bluegrass music, Ricky is considered the top performer of that group. 8) Mike Snider: Mike is a funny name to put on this list. He joined the Opry in 1990, and for the most part has been thought of as a funny guy who played old time music on the banjo. But over the years, he has taken a career that has had no hit records and built it into one of the Opry's most popular members and being in a position to host many weekly segments at the Opry. He also has the Opry hosting a series of shows for him at the theater. His influence comes in the fact that he is a link to the string band music that was part of the start of the Opry and he keeps it alive. He has an eye for talented musicans that play that type of music; so much so that Opry management will permit him to feature those musicians during his segment of the Opry. 9) Marty Stuart: Marty joined the Opry in 1992, in the wave of the new traditionalists that were joining the Opry at that time. Marty had been a part of the Opry for many years as a member of Lester Flatt's outfit. For most of his time as an Opry member, Marty stood out no more than the others from that era. He was good for about 10 appearances per year and that was about it. However, in the past several years, he has become one of the Opry's most loyal members and has become very vocal behind the scenes about the future of the show. He was instrumental in Dierks Bentley and Charlie Daniels becoming Opry members and since the death of Porter Wagoner, he has become more of the public face of the Opry. His television show on the RFD network is tailored after the country music shows of the 1960's and has an Opry feel to it. As with Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, Marty is over 50 now, and along with Vince and Ricky, these 3 should be the face of the Opry in the years to come. For the 10th member, and I list him apart from the others, is Stonewall Jackson. Why him? Well, when his appearances were cut, he stood up to Gaylord and Opry management and sued them in court. He boycotted the Opry for a number of years and went through a great personal toll. While he did not win the lawsuit, Gaylord and the Opry settled with him before it went to trial. While the results of the lawsuit are not public record, a case can be made that Stonewall was the winner. Since the lawsuit was settled, Stonewall is back on the Opry and his appearances have greatly increased. Also, he has been treated well by Pete Fisher, who always said it was nothing personal against Stonewall. The only suprising thing about this, is that the other Opry member who was just as vocal about his appearances being cut as Stonewall's, which is Charlie Louvin, has not taken the same route as Stonewall did. But then, Charlie has several new albums out and has been busy touring, cementing his legacy as one of the greats in country music. As the only Opry member to stand up to management and sue the show, Stonewall Jackson deserves a spot on the list. We'll, there you have our list. As always, I like to see the opinions of others. Let me know what you think and we can discuss it. As always, thanks for reading and pass the site along to others.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Good Afternoon All:Before posting and making comments regarding this week's Grand Ole Opry line-up, I know that I have not posted comments as frequently has I have had in the past. No excuse, except that it has been a busy summer. Things are back to normal now, so expect me to get back to regular news and comments. I was down South last week and took in the Tuesday night Opry. It was a fine show with a very nice crowd. I will say that one of the real suprises on Tuesday was Jimmy Wayne. He has been appearing on the Opry lately and I think he has a fantastic voice and has a keen eye for picking out some great songs. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens and Craig Morgan, among others were also on and each did a fine job. It is enjoyable to see the Tuesday night Opry. Although I really like the regular Friday and Saturday Opry shows, the change of pace on Tuesday with 8 performers each doing 15 minute segments is nice. You get to enjoy 3-4 songs from each artist and there is time for some bantering with the audience. You get enough of the artist to make them enjoyable, but not too much that you wish they would finish. Now, for this week's Grand Ole Opry line-ups:Friday July 17th: 7:00: John Conlee(host); Riders In The Sky; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Daryle Singletary8:00: Bill Anderson(host); The Whites; Hal Ketchum8:30: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Roy ClarkSaturday July 18th: First Show7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jim Ed Brown; The Lovell Sisters7:30: Roy Clark(host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C. Newman; Riders In The Sky8:00: Mike Snider(host); Jack Greene; Hal Ketchum; Opry Square Dancers8:30: Bill Anderson(host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Connie SmithSecond Show9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; The Lovell Sisters10:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C. Newman; Hal Ketchum10:30: Roy Clark(host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers11:00: Bill Anderson(host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Connie SmithComments:>It is nice to see the newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Roy Clark, back on the Opry. He usually makes it to the Opry a couple of times each year. When he was asked to join back in 1987, he was very upfront with Opry management that he would love to be a member, but that he could not make the required number of appearances due to HeeHaw and his concert appearances. The Opry still offered him membership with that understanding. Roy Acuff remarked before he died that he hoped Roy Clark would kind of take over as the face of the Opry after he died. Obviously that did not happen. After Mr. Acuff passed away, the face of the Opry became Porter Wagoner. After his death, I think the person who has stepped forward the most to keep the tradition going has been Marty Stuart. In the past year, he has made a real committment to the show. Before I leave Roy Clark, I will be interested in how he looks and sounds. I know in his last appearance, he looked a little frail and his voice was not what it once was. But, that guitar playing was still outstanding. I know he is over 70, but you always hate to see the legends lose a step. >Rhonda Vincent makes another Opry appearance on Friday night. I think she has made more Opry appearances over the last several years than any non-member. I know the question I get asked the most is when will she finally become an Opry member. I was told by someone who knows these things, that she will be asked to join at some point. I do not know what the hold-up is: whether it is that she is on the road so much or because of late, it has been mostly male artists asked to join. If you look at the number of Opry members who have died recently, I think all have been male. >Mike Snider is going to be a busy boy this coming week. He will be doing all 3 Opry shows this weekend(hosting all 3 times), his own show 4 times and then he is on the Tuesday Night Opry next week. I hope that he doesn't make so many appearances that he burns himself out. I have not heard how his Pickin' & Grinnin' show is doing. Hopefully well. >Comedy has always been a part of the Opry with Minnie Pearl, Archie Campbell, Jerry Clower, Stringbean; Rod Bradfield, and current member Mike Snider. This weekend, T. Bubba Bechtol is on both shows on Saturday night. I have seen him on the Opry before and he is funny. Overall a real solid Opry line-up for Friday and Saturday night. Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers is the host of the Mid-Night Jamboree. He has worked hard a establishing a solo career, but so far with limited success. Finally, no new update on Mel McDaniel. His condition is the same as was reported earlier last week. Prayers and thoughts continue to be with him and his family. The same for Wilma Lee Cooper, who is said to be bed-ridden at this time.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up for this weekend:Friday July 10th: 7:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Chris Young7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jan Howard; Ashton Shepard8:00: Ricky Skaggs(host); Jean Shepard; The Whites8:30: Mike Snider(host); Connie Smith; Diamond RioSaturday July 11th: First Show7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Caitlin & Will7:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Jennifer Hanson8:00: Mike Snider(host); The Whites; Billy Dean; Opry Square Dancers8:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Jean Shepard; Alison Krauss w/The Cox FamilySecond Show:9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Caitlin & Will10:00: Mike Snider(host); Jack Greene; Alison Krauss w/The Cox Family10:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Charlie Louvin; Jennifer Hanson; Opry Square Dancers11:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Jean Shepard; Billy DeanNotes:>After not appearing for several years, Alison Krauss makes her 2nd Opry appearance in 2 months. She is one of the most talented performers in music today as she appears with numerous musicians, including her great success with Robert Plant. This week she appears with The Cox Family. >Billy Dean will be at the Opry Shop on Saturday meeting and greeting fans prior to the Opry. >Jim Ed Brown was on Bill Mack's radio show on Tuesday and talked about the great time he had with his sisters this past weekend. They hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night, and for those who could not listen to the live broadcast, it was great. I know that they will archive it soon. >Charlie Louvin returns off the road to do the Saturday night Opry. He certainly is not on enough, especially with his new music out on the market. >Leona Williams is the host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree at the record shop. She was also on Bill Mack's show earlier this week talking about her good friend Ferlin Husky, and hoping that everything will be fine with him. At his age it will be tough. Finally, we would be remiss if we did not mention the health of Mel McDaniel. He suffered a heart attack earlier this summer and is in critical condition and in a medical induced coma. To be honest, these situations do not normally turn out well. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

As we continue our look at Grand Ole Opry line-ups from the past, this week I take a look at the weekend of November 14th, and 15th, 1980. This was a difficult time period for the Opry. When the Grand Ole Opry first moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland, the crowds had picked up, especially in the summer months when the park was open. However, during the winter months, the crowds were down. It was also during this period that the Opry's cast really started to age and the reputation of the Opry was becoming more of a living historical museum of country music rather than a place to go see the newer and hot stars of country music. This was also the period of time that the Opry basically stopped adding new members. Prior to this weekend that we are featuring, the last new members added were Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and Ronnie Milsap, both added in 1976. After that, the next new member was John Conlee in 1981, followed by Ricky Skaggs and The Riders In The Sky in 1982. There are some who say that after the Opry moved to Opryland, it distanced itself more from the general country music scene than it had before. The result of all of this is that every Opry show seemed the same with the same older cast performing each and everyweek. I know from personal experience that during the winter months, there were plenty of seats available for each show. Let's take a look back at the line-up for that weekend:Friday November 14, 19807:30: Cracker Barrel: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Lonzo and Oscar; Ernie Ashworth; Connie Smith8:00: Dollar Stores, Odom Sausage: Jim and Jesse(host); Skeeter Davis; Del Wood8:30: Kroger, Sunbeam: Roy Acuff(host); The Wilburn Brothers; The Four Guys9:00: Batlz, Wrangler: Ray Pillow(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Carlisles9:30: Beechnut Tobacco: Billy Walker(host); Jan Howard; Ray Price10:00: Ernest Tubb Record Shop: Billy Grammer(host); Vic Willis Trio; Boxcar Willie10:30: Rudy's Sausage: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; Stu Phillips11:05: Grand Ole Gospel Time-Rev. Jimmy Snow, Evangel Temple ChoirSaturday November 15, 1980First Show6:30: Mrs. Grissoms: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely6:45: Rudy's Sausage: Stonewall Jackson(host); Lonzo and Oscar; Connie Smith7:00: Shoneys: Porter Wagoner(host); Skeeter Davis; Jerry Clower; Jim and Jesse; Ernie Ashworth7:30: Standard Candy: Roy Acuff(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Stu Phillips; Boxcar Willie; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers8:00: Martha White: Billy Walker(host); Jan Howard; Ray Pillow; Billy Grammer; The Wilburn Brothers; Del Wood8:30: Acme Boots: Hank Snow(host); Vic Willis Trio; Roy Drusky; The Carlisles; The Four Guys; The Fruit Jar DrinkersSecond Show9:30: Kelloggs: Porter Wagoner(host); Skeeter Davis; Lonzo and Oscar; Connie Smith; The Four Guys10:00: Little Debbie Snak Cakes: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; Ernie Ashworth10:15: Union 76: Roy Acuff(host); Stonewall Jackson; Jim and Jesse10:30: Trailblazer: Jerry Clower(host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Stu Phillips10:45: Beechnut: Roy Drusky(host); Billy Grammer; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers11:00: Coca-Cola: Hank Snow(host); The Wilburn Brothers; Jan Howard; Boxcar Willie; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee11:30: Bama Jelly: Billy Walker(host); Vic Willis Trio; Ray Pillow; Del Wood; The CarlislesAll of the artists on the Saturday show were Grand Ole Opry members, but notice the number of Opry stars missing including Jimmy Dickens, Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones; Bill Anderson among others. The only non-Opry member on the Friday show was Ray Price, no stranger to the Opry. We hope you enjoy this look at the past and if you do, tell others so that they can share. Lot's of folks are checking us out, so please spread the word. Don't forget, if you get the chance and are in the Nashville area, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns are the host of the Midnight Jamboree and will be on the Opry tonight. If you cannot be there in person, be sure to listen on-line.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry July 7th:7:00: John Conlee; Jimmy Wayne7:30: Jean Shepard; The SteelDrivers8:00: Bill Anderson8:30: Jimmy Dickens; Craig MorganBill Anderson has let it be known that he will be on the Opry quite a bit in July and then in August he will be working on a new CD that he hopes to have out by Christmas. Bill the songwriter has been busy as he has a new song on Brad Paisley's CD that was recently released.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up for this weekend:Friday July 3rd:7:00: Riders In the Sky(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Holly Williams7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; The Grascals8:00: Mike Snider(host); The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp Performers; Jan Howard; Jack Greene8:30: Ricky Skaggs(host); Stonewall Jackson; John Conlee; Connie SmithSaturday July 4th: 7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Christy Sutherland7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); George Hamilton IV; The Grascals8:00: Mike Snider(host); Stonewall Jackson; Chris Young; Opry Square Dancers8:30: John Conlee; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett; Jim Ed Brown with The BrownsA couple of notes: >Holly Williams will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on the Friday Night Opry, in support of her new CD.>With the July 4th holiday on Saturday, the Opry goes to just 1 show at 7:00. If past tradition holds, Mandy Barnett will lead off the show with the National Anthem. >The Browns make a rare appearance at the Opry this weekend. The appearances become more special as age catches up with them. They have been performing together for more than 50 years. Also, they will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. >The only performers doing both the Friday and Saturday Opry shows are Riders In The Sky; Jimmy Dickens; Mike Snider; Stonewall Jackson; and John Conlee. Nice to see Stonewall doing both nights. >On Friday night, The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp Performers will be entertaining. This has become an annual tradition at the Opry and a real treat. I was at the Opry one year when they performed and it was a great group of kids. I know at the time, they would take groups of them back stage during the show. I do not know if they still do that with the perfomers or not.

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About Me

I am a nationally recognized independent historian of the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to being the publisher and writer of Fayfare's Opry Blog, I have also researched Opry information for numerous authors and interested Opry fans. A resident of Canton, Ohio, I have attended hundreds of Grand Ole Opry shows since my first visit to Nashville in 1973. I can be contacted via email at bfay54@gmail.com